Chapter 35: The Life They Started Living

She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the black gown slowly. The strapless fit, the deep neckline, the high slit… for a moment, she just looked at herself, unsure.

“Veer…” she called softly.

He looked up.

For a second, he didn’t say anything. His eyes stayed on her, steady, taking in every detail.

“How is it?” she asked.

He walked closer, his gaze still on her. “You look bold.”

She looked down slightly, a little shy.

He tilted her chin up. “And I like my woman bold.”

Her cheeks warmed, but she didn’t look away this time.

“Let’s go,” he said.

They stepped out together.

The night felt light… easy. Not forced, not planned too much. Just them.

They walked side by side, sometimes talking, sometimes just being quiet. She pointed at small things, spoke about random thoughts, and he listened in his own way—short replies, but present.

At the restaurant, she looked at him. “You don’t like this, right?”

He leaned back slightly. “Not really.”

“Then why did you come?” she asked.

He looked at her directly. “Because you like it.”

That one line stayed with her.

Dinner was simple, but she enjoyed every bite, every moment. She even took out her phone. “One photo?”

He gave her a look.

“Please, Veer.”

He sighed lightly but stood beside her. She smiled softly as she clicked a few pictures.

Later, she looked at them again, her fingers tracing the screen. These were her moments… the kind she never thought she would have.

With him.

They returned home quietly.

As they entered, he said, “Tomorrow.”

She didn’t let him complete.

“I’ll come,” she said.

He looked at her for a second, then pulled her slightly and placed a soft peck on her lips. “Good.”

He moved to the side, already on a call. “Yes… upcoming projects, I’ll review. And Poornima will be coming back.”

She heard that.

A small smile appeared on her face as she quietly arranged things around.

After finishing the call, he came and lay down, resting his head on her lap like always.

She smiled. “Same habit.”

“Don’t talk,” he muttered, closing his eyes.

Her fingers moved into his hair, massaging slowly. “Headache?”

“Hmm.”

She continued, her touch gentle, familiar.

Within minutes, his breathing softened.

He slept.

She looked down at him, her eyes soft, her fingers still moving slowly.

“Veer…” she whispered, leaning down and kissing his forehead.

She adjusted slightly, letting him rest more comfortably against her, and leaned back.

His arm moved around her even in sleep.

She smiled.

And slowly, with him still holding her, she closed her eyes and fell asleep too.